Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Remembers Michael Tilson Thomas

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Remembers Michael Tilson Thomas

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra joins the global music community in mourning the passing of former Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas, who led the orchestra from 1971 to 1979.

His tenure in Buffalo marked an important early chapter in a career that would go on to shape American orchestral music for decades. Known for his intellectual curiosity, expressive energy, and commitment to American composers, Tilson Thomas brought a distinctive artistic voice to the podium and left a lasting imprint on the orchestras and musicians he led.

We are proud to count him among the BPO’s Music Directors and honor his place in the history of this orchestra.

Musician Reflections

In the days following his passing, members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra community shared memories of working with Michael Tilson Thomas. Together, these reflections speak to his artistry, his character, and the lasting impression he made on those around him and on Buffalo.

“Playing with MTT was always incredibly inspiring and memorable. His combination of genius and whimsy made for some of the best performances I’ve ever been part of. His many MTT-isms—‘that needs a little more swish of the tail’—and his hilarious, off-the-cuff lyrics alongside his profound musical vision will stay with me forever.”
Loren Silvertrust
Violin, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“I had the opportunity to work with Michael Tilson Thomas when he conducted the YouTube Symphony Orchestra in Sydney in 2011. Four years later, I would join him at the New World Symphony before winning my position with the BPO, an orchestra closely connected to his early career. His commitment to music, expression, and spreading joy through live performance was deeply inspiring to me as a young musician.”
Caroline Gilbert
Principal Viola, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“I was a Fellow with the New World Symphony under MTT for two seasons, which was a very formative time in my career. When I joined the BPO, Michael sent me a note expressing fondness for his former orchestra, along with excitement and pride for my new position. He will be missed greatly.”
Henry Ward
Principal Oboe, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“I had the privilege of being inspired by MTT’s intense love of music through the New World Symphony. He guided us to approach each performance as a new journey—a chance to share your whole soul. As he would say, ‘If you want something to be extraordinary, you have to risk embarrassing yourself.’”
Jacqueline Galluzzo
Associate Principal Second Violin, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“At my audition, after a long day of rounds, I played a passage from the slow movement of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony—and not well. Michael came to the edge of the stage and said calmly, ‘I know you’re very tired, but I’m sure you can play better than that.’ It was a moment of kindness and sensitivity that shaped my entire career with the Buffalo Philharmonic.”
Deborah Greitzer
Violin, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“In the late 1970s, we performed a piece for chamber orchestra and 200 kazoos. When Michael asked for volunteers, more than 300 audience members came on stage. I joined in from the back row with a kazoo in hand. The only problem was that we didn’t have enough kazoos for the next day’s performance—we had to call the factory in Eden for reinforcements.”
Duane Saetveit
Former French Horn, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“I remember my season in the BPO as one in which Maestro Thomas brought energy and life to everything we did, and he was always kind offstage. My first conversation with him was on a flight, where he wore a jacket with ‘Kwajalein’ on it—though he didn’t know the place. Years later, I worked with him again on a recording of Steve Reich’s The Desert Music, where I remember his clever, impromptu piano improvisations during breaks.”
Thomas Suarez
Former Violin, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“I had the pleasure and privilege of playing in the BPO during Michael’s tenure. He was young and made every piece feel fresh and exciting. I was sad to say goodbye when he left the BPO, and I am very sad to say goodbye now.”
Suzanne M. Thomas
Former Principal Harp, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

“After auditioning for a violin position in 1978, I was one of three violinists hired by Michael during what became his final season with the BPO. That year marked an important turning point in my career. I truly loved my time with the orchestra, especially experiencing the vibrant energy he brought to the podium.”
Sheryl (Krohn) Genco
Former Violin, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Images and Memories of Michael Tilson Thomas

Archival images and shared photographs offer a glimpse into Michael Tilson Thomas’s connection to Buffalo, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the musicians who shared in that time.

We are grateful to the musicians, colleagues, and members of our community who have shared their memories and materials in remembrance of Michael Tilson Thomas. Through these reflections and images, we honor his connection to Buffalo and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the lasting impact he made on those who worked alongside him.